Olivier Bernard has received recognition for some sterling performances for Newcastle United this season.

For the 22-year-old defender was originally named in France's 35-strong pre-selected squad along with his United colleague Laurent Robert for the European Championship qualifiers with Malta and Israel.

However, neither Bernard nor the nine times-capped Robert made the cut for the final 20-man French squad.

But at least this is a step in the right direction for Bernard, who has represented France at junior levels but has yet to be capped at either full or Under-21 levels.

Nevertheless, United will have no fewer than 18 players away on international duty this week.

The only real disappointment is that Steve Caldwell has paid the price for being out of United's starting line-up with his omission from the Scotland squad.

United were back in training today as Sir Bobby Robson tries to keep things ticking over for the Premiership run-in but the coaching staff only had a skeleton squad to work with.

The best thing that can be said of the internationals is the fact that United have an extra day when they return to training a week on Thursday, with their next game at Everton being staged on the Sunday afternoon to accomodate the Sky Sports cameras.